Alaska wildlife
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Rainbow trout in Alaska often display brilliant leopard-spotting, especially in clear gravel rivers.
See the Rainbow Trout up close
Best months
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Prime viewing is June through September; check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game fishing regulations and river reports.
Where to look
Conservation status
Widespread and abundant, considered a prized game fish
Good to know
What is a 'leopard rainbow' trout?
It's a rainbow trout with unusually dense and large spotting, often found in clear, gravel-bottomed rivers in Alaska's Bristol Bay region.
Can I catch and keep rainbow trout in Alaska?
Regulations vary by waterbody and season; most rivers require catch-and-release for rainbow trout, so check current sport fishing rules.
Make it a trip
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